MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Episode Description In episode 50 we discuss Mark's trip to a lake house, Chase's awesome new grocery spend welcome offers and being stranded in a coronavirus free country. Episode Notes 13:53 - Mark's lake trip 23:06 - Mark bought a house 29:18 - Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited New Offers 37:40 - Stranded in Tonga without the coronavirus 38:56 - Miraval BOGO promo 41:04 - Observation Deck wit...

Episode Description In episode 49 we discuss five places you should consider visiting that you haven't before, whether Hyatt suites being bookable on points is a good or bad thing overall and how to invest credit card rewards into retirement for extra savings. Episode Notes 5:57 - Hyatt suites bookable online with points 11:50 - How To Double Dip Your Credit Card's Cash Back Rate - Tax Free Earnin...

Episode Description In episode 48 we discuss whether or not selling your credit for cash is worth it, are amusement parks safe right now and when reselling leads to huge losses.  We also talk about earning those spouse points with Amex account manager, reminder to check your passports & more. Episode Notes 5:49 - Disney is open, are amusement parks safe? 15:54 - Credit piggybacking 23:38 - TPM wen...

Episode Description In episode 47 we discuss Chase shutting down their bonus earning error, massive Amex clawbacks and reminisce about our first international travel experiences.  We also talk about the best bank bonuses out there right now, amazing Vegas hotel rates & more. Episode Notes 9:35 - Chase 5X was an error 15:14 - AMEX RAT claws back Hilton, Delta and Bonvoy points . 21:36 - American Ai...

Episode Description In episode 46 we discuss the newest spending bonuses on the Chase Sapphire cards.  We also talk about things we knew when we first started this hobby, a potential Vegas shakeup and vacations we would take right now if we could. Episode Notes 7:36 - Chase Sapphire Reserve new bonuses 13:02 - What we wish we knew when we were beginners 21:40 - Covid's got us thinking of traveling...

Episode Description In episode 45 we discuss Wynn calling customers scammers, Vegas paying people to wear masks and the perfect 4 card Amex wallet.  We also discuss how to get your Disney reservations set up, issues with Virgin Atlantic miles & how to max out Citi ThankYou point earning. Episode Notes 7:05 - Wynn calls people scammers for using comp promo 13:26 - Vegas casino gives free slot play...

Episode Description In episode 44 we discuss the ugly side of mask shaming and Mark's recent experience.  We also discuss upgrading to the CSR, cashing out Ultimate Rewards points, why we don't talk to friends about miles and points anymore & much more. Episode Notes 5:53 - Talking to friends about miles and points 15:50 - Mask shaming is ugly & Mark's recent experience . 24:19 - CSR upgrade & cas...

Episode Description In episode 43 we discuss Vegas opening back up, how it is different and how it hasn't changed.  We also discuss Shawn's recent travels and what it felt like to be on the road plus upcoming travel plans. Episode Notes 10:34 - Las Vegas reopened ! 26:48 - Our summer travel plans 35:57 - Universal Orlando re-opening 37:23 - Chase Sapphire Reserve 5X 38:02 - Tri-state area travel r...

Episode Description In episode 42 we discuss negative Amex changes, new reasons for cancelling travel and what is like to fly during the pandemic.  We also talk about Vegas, theme parks and casinos in general opening back up, maximizing Amex credits and identity theft. Episode Notes 3:12 - Vegas and other locations reopening 9:11 - AMEX's old but new four credit card limit 15:30 - Cancelling trave...

Episode Description In episode 41 Shawn and Mark sit down with Amy & Tim from Go With Less to talk all things FIRE, retiring early, travel hacking, house sitting and everything in between.   Episode Notes 1:16 - Introducing Go with Less 7:50 - Learning about FIRE 13:51 - Youtube channel 18:07 - has COVID-19 changed FIRE calculations 22:33 - House sitting 30:23 - Travel hacking on the road 39:44 -...

Episode Description In episode 40 we discuss if Amazon Prime is still worth it or should we give it the boot, is Chase 5/24 worth waiting for and the first Disney park reopens.  Plus we discuss a mini application spree, great Hyatt free night cert redemptions and a 20% Marriott discount you can lock in now. Episode Notes 5:36 - Should we cancel Amazon prime? 13:49 - Shanghai Disneyland and Disney...

Episode Description In episode 39 we discuss the massive amount of credit card refreshes and perk changes from Citi, Chase and Amex.  We also discuss Vegas reopening and what it will look like, the best nationwide bank bonuses and an amazing video of planes parked across the country. Episode Notes 1:23 - Chase card refresh and benefit changes . 7:40 - Citi card refresh and benefit changes . ( AA E...

Episode Description In episode 38 we discuss what our first trips will look like after the pandemic and will they will be. We also talk about Chase and other banks cracking down on new applications, Amex refreshing their card lineup & Chase's new retention process plus much more. Episode Notes 7:28 - What will our first trips look like after the pandemic? 19:27 - Chase & others cracking down on cr...

Episode Description In episode 37 we discuss how we are racking up miles and points while at home and discuss our most memorable dining experience while traveling. Shawn also announces a new Disney podcast, we play would you rather travel edition and of course outtakes! Episode Notes 0:00 - Life updates 8:08 - Disney Hacks podcast 10:48 - How are we earning miles and points during quarantine? 21:4...

Episode Description In episode 36 we discuss how social distancing is being handled in different countries and how much tougher the school system is.  We also talk about cards we have been downgrading to avoid the large annual fees and banks giving minimum spending requirements. Lastly we discuss companies that are getting it right and others that messed the bed during the pandemic. Episode Notes...

Episode Description In episode 35 we catch up on life at home, play a travel centric game of would you rather and talk about the stimulus / relief options available to small business owners. We also talk about our process for sanitizing groceries and food delivery and an update on Miles to Memories and a big thank you to our readers and listeners! Episode Notes 0:00 - Catching up 11:32 - Small bus...

Episode Description In episode 34 Shawn and Mark sit down with Mark Jackson of Brad's Deals .  We discuss how to find the best deals, how to earn extra income right now and our favorite miles & points redemptions.  We also talk about Mark's background, how he joined Brad's Deals and dealing with our many travel cancellations. Episode Notes 0:00 - Who is Mark Jackson? 4:40 - How Mark ended up at Br...

Episode Description In episode 33 Joe and Shawn talk about whether or not we should be cashing in miles and points to use for other things.  We also discuss an eerie and quiet Vegas and Disney. We give you an update of our homelife and wearing our new hats as homeschooling teachers.  Plus Mark shares his funny Amsterdam toilet story. Episode Notes 0:00 - Updates on home life and how week 2 of shel...

Episode Description Mark shares his story about a wild turkey attacking him, we all discuss what it is like social distancing at home with our families.  We share some tips on free programs the kids can use while at home. We also discuss Disney & Las Vegas' complete shut down, hotel status going further and the outtakes are pretty epic! Episode Notes 4:18 - Wild turkeys attack Mark 12:13 - Life at...

Episode Description With coronavirus at the forefront of our minds, we discuss how it has affected our upcoming travel. We also debate the economic effects on the travel industry and how it might affect miles and points in the long term. Plus, some crunchy outtakes. Episode Notes 0:56 - How coronavirus is affecting our planned (and unplanned) travel ( Shawn's Hyatt Globalist extension ) 12:45 - Th...

Episode Description In episode 30 we talk Coronavirus sweeping the world and if we are changing any of our travel plans and how to save money on upcoming travel because of it.  Plus we give you a peak behind the curtain on how Miles to Memories (and other blogs) make money. Lastly, we break down how we decide on spending cash or points for travel. Episode Notes 0:00 - Coronavirus travel updates (...

Episode Description In episode 29 we talk about Amex clawing back airline incidental credits, why do people continue to defend corporations and Amex popup data points. We also talk about negative FHR changes in Vegas, a new centurion lounge and Alaska joining Oneworld. Episode Notes 0:00 - Shawn's at Disneyland again (shocker) 4:25 - Will the novel coronavirus affect Joe's upcoming travel? 6:57 -...

Episode Description In episode 28 we talk about the toughest countries to visit, the good & bad of the recent Hyatt changes, Joe's American Airlines shutdown and Alaska joining Oneworld plus their stealth devaluation.  We also discuss getting 20% off Netflix and organizing your busy travel calendar. Episode Notes 0:00 - Visiting Daytona Beach 7:49 - Shawn's on a t-shirt! 10:39 - New september meet...

Episode Description In episode 27 we talk about our recent event in New Orleans and more of Mark's craziness. We also discuss the Marriott devaluation, Southwest's 100K offer, seeing celebrities while traveling, the easiest airline status and tons more! Episode Notes 0:00 - New Orleans meetup wrap up 5:00 - New Orleans as a city, flights, hotels, Biloxi 14:26 - Joe's weekend away 17:48 - Credit ca...

Episode Description In episode 26 we talk about Mark's recent Cathay Pacfic first class flight and how he thinks it may be overrated.  We also discuss the Coronavirus, everyone getting slammed with 1099's, the best co-branded hotel cards & more! Episode Notes 0:00 - AA web specials for the win and New Orleans meetup 5:09 - 1099's from Chase and American Express 7:29 - Coronavirus and how it change...